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Smith River Permit

Permit Application Process

Smith River Floating

Superb fishing, gorgeous scenery, and a remote setting combine to make a trip on the Smith River an unforgettable experience. With one put-in point and one take-out point, the 59-mile stretch of river is accessible only by canoe, raft, or other appropriate watercraft.

Because of its popularity, a permit is required to float the Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge. A drawing for the permit is conducted each February; nine float parties are allowed to launch each day. These regulations moderate fishing pressure and allow for long floats in relative solitude.

The float season varies widely depending on snow pack, rainfall, and amount and timing of irrigation. The typical float season is from mid-April through mid-July, with some occasional floating opportunities in September and October.

Reminders for 2012 Float Season 

  • $10 nonrefundable permit application fee
     
  • Applicants must be a minimum of 12 years of age.
    A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip.
     
  • Peak Season Waiting Period
    A person who receives a permit through the lottery for a launch date during the time period of May 15 through July 15 (peak season) will not be allowed to apply for a permit for this same time period the following year. They may still apply for launch dates outside of the peak season, accompany another permitted trip on any date, or acquire a cancelled permit for any date.
     
  • Super Permit Lottery
    In addition to the regular private float trip permits, FWP will issue one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery (see information below). The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). All proceeds from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited in the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.
     
  • Only successful applicants will be notified.
    FWP no longer notifies unsuccessful permit applicants. Lottery results will still be posted on the FWP online licensing website.
     
  • Launch fees are applicable year-round.
     

Applying for a Permit

Application Fees
Deadline for Smith River float permits has passed
  • The deadline to apply for Smith River float permits was February 15.
  • Smith River float permit results will be available February 28.


Smith River Super Permit applications are available until March 15, 2012. In addition to the regular private float permits, FWP issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that year. Float fees are not included with the Super Permit and must be paid when registering at Camp Baker. There is no limit to the number of chances someone may purchase ($5 per chance). The money from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited into the Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account.

You can only apply for the super permit online through FWP's Automated Licensing System.

Super permit results will be available March 19, 2012.


Consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to get an overview of the Smith River and check for Advisories, Restrictions, and Closures. If you don’t find all the answers you’re looking for on this website, you can contact the Smith River State Park office in Great Falls at (406) 454-5840.

Reminders for 2012 Float Season

The Launch Choice Report (2010 Launch Choice Report 94 KB) shows how many Smith River Permit applicants applied for specific dates on the calendar the previous year, including first, second and third choices and the grand total.

Important Dates

  • January 3, 2012: The application period begins for Smith River permits and the Smith River Super Permit
  • February 15, 2012: Deadline to apply for Smith River permit, post-marked on or before this date (application period for Super Permit remains open)
  • February 28, 2012: Permit lottery results available online (successful applicants will also be notified through the mail)
  • March 15, 2012: Deadline to purchase Super Permit chance
  • March 19, 2012: Super Permit Drawing

Application Fee

Application Fees

The Application fee is $10 (nonrefundable). 

Cancellation Requirement

Permit holders must cancel their permit if they are not going to use their launch regardless of weather or water flows above 100 cfs (cubic feet per second). A person who fails to properly cancel their permit at least two days prior to their scheduled launch date will be prohibited from applying for a permit the following year (this does not apply if flows are 100 cfs or less).

Remaining or Cancelled Permits

Starting March 14, 2012 and throughout the float season you may call the Smith River Reservation Line at (406) 454-5861 between 8:00 AM and noon, Monday through Friday, to request any remaining launch dates or cancelled permits.

Float Fees

Float Fees

The following float fees must be paid during the registration process at Camp Baker on the launch day. Do not submit these fees with your launch application. These fees (below) must be paid for each floater in the party.

  Resident Nonresident
Under 6 years FREE FREE
6-12 years $15 $15
13 and older $25 $60

Smith River Corridor Enhancement Account (CEA)

The CEA is an account set up to provide long-term protection of the Smith River Corridor. Revenue from the sale of Super Permit chances will be deposited into this account.

 

Smith River Frequently Asked Questions

The Smith River Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will help you plan your next Smith River float trip.